In a decisive move to reclaim public spaces and ensure smooth traffic flow, the Patna district administration is launching an extensive, month-long special drive starting Friday. The campaign, ordered directly by District Magistrate Thiyagarajan S M, aims to systematically eliminate illegal encroachments across the city.
Multi-Agency Teams Mobilised for City-Wide Action
The administration has constituted nine specialised teams to execute this intensive campaign, which will continue until January 31. The drive will cover all six zones of the Patna Municipal Corporation — Nutan Rajdhani, Pataliputra, Kankarbagh, Bankipore, Azimabad, and Patna City. Additionally, the municipal councils of Khagaul, Phulwari Sharif and Danapur Nizamat will also be included in the sweep.
This is a coordinated effort involving officials from multiple departments, including police, transport, revenue, road construction, and health. Operations on the ground will be led by sub-divisional officers and sub-divisional police officers to ensure strict adherence to the schedule.
Zero-Tolerance Policy and Heavy Penalties
District Magistrate Thiyagarajan has emphasised a zero-tolerance policy towards traffic disruptions and public nuisance. Officials have been instructed to issue notices under Section 162 and other relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita based on police reports.
The administration has set substantial monetary penalties to deter violations. A fine of Rs 5,000 will be imposed for temporary encroachments, while permanent encroachments will attract a hefty penalty of Rs 20,000. The DM warned that to prevent the recurrence of illegal structures, dedicated follow-up teams will remain active in cleared areas. Furthermore, the administration will mandatorily register FIRs against repeat offenders.
All removal actions will be documented through videography and will be preceded by public announcements to ensure transparency and awareness.
Focus on Critical Corridors and Future Beautification
The drive will prioritise clearing arterial roads and high-traffic corridors to facilitate emergency services. Key areas include:
- Nehru Path, Atal Path, and Bailey Road
- Areas surrounding major medical institutions like PMCH, IGIMS, NMCH, and AIIMS
This focus is crucial to ensure unobstructed movement for ambulances and other emergency vehicles. A five-member monitoring cell, comprising the traffic SP, ADM (urban management), and other senior officials, will conduct daily reviews to oversee the progress.
Beyond just clearance, the campaign also includes plans for the beautification and plantation of reclaimed spaces. The removal of illegal vending and parking is a key component to restore order and aesthetics to the city's landscape.
This large-scale initiative represents a significant step by the Patna administration to address long-standing issues of urban clutter and traffic congestion, aiming to create a more organised and livable city for its residents.
